Potential breakout players for Penn State Football: Shawney Kersey

Shawney Kersey hauls his first of two touchdown catches during the 2010 Blue and White spring game.View full sizeJoe Hermitt, The Patriot-News

We're about five and a half weeks away from game day and the itch for college football has never been greater. Now that we're in August, the wait just goes down hill from here. We've already taken a look at my potentialbreakoutplayers on the defensive side, but for now we are going to focus on the offensive side of the ball.

Shawney has shown flashes of greatness on the practice field the past couple of years. His touches last year were limited due to a deep rotation at the wide receiver position. Due to a lack of playing time and frustrations, he threatened to transfer mid-season. Once he returned, he barely saw the field the rest of the way.

Shawney is one of the most explosive and fastest players on the team. Pair that up with his ability to make someone miss and often reliable hands, and he's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Make no mistake about it, the coaches know this as well, as evidenced in the fact that they tried to utilize his abilities against Alabama last year.

I would watch out for Kersey this year. The coaches are definitely going to utilize him a lot more, especially with the absence of Curtis Drake. I know a lot of people are expecting Bill Belton to come in and fill that role, but I've got my money on Kersey busting out this year.

I'm expecting Kersey to break onto the scene this year and grow into a solid number three receiver. I know you're thinking this is a lame prediction, but it puts him in a great position to solidify his status as the number two receiver going into 2012 (since Moye is graduating). I expect him to finish somewhere around 35+ catches and 5 touchdowns this year, along with 1 rushing touchdown.

Let me know what you think? How do you think Kersey will end up playing this year, and do you think he's one of the best receivers on the team? Do you think he could become a solid contributor to this unit for the next three years? Or, do you think he'll get lost in the shuffle once again?